Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue2006, by Anna Harwell Celenza, Illustrated by JoAnn E. KitchelThis imaginary retelling of the writing of the now famous Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is aimed at middle elementary students. Gershwin, one of America's most famous young composers in the 20's and 30's, is challenged by conductor Paul Whiteman to create a musical piece that reflects the changing music of the day. A CD of Rhapsody in Blue is included.

ABC Best Books for Children

Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Young Readers

NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (Selector's Choice)

Storytelling World Award Honor Title

Bach's Goldberg Variations2005, by Anna Harwell Celenza, Illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel
Seventeenth-century composer Johann Sebastian Bach helps young organist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg by giving him lessons and by presenting him with a composition which came to be called the Goldberg Variations. Includes historical notes and a CD recording of the tital piece.

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

The Heroic Symphony2004, by Anna Harwell Celenza, Illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel
After learning that he is going deaf, Beethoven is determined to write a great symphony using the heroic deeds of Napoleon as his initial inspiration. A CD recording of The Heroic Symphony is included.

Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award

Pictures at an Exhibition2003, by Anna Harwell Celenza, Illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel
Modest Mussorgsky and his friends, Victor Hartmann and Vladimir Stasov, dream of showing the glories of Russia in the 1880s to the world. When Victor suddenly dies, composer Modest Mussorgsky is deeply saddened. But, with the help of his friends, and through his own music, Modest finds a way to keep Victor's spirit alive. CD recording is included.

Land of Enchantment (New Mexico) Masterlist

The Farewell Symphony2000, by Anna Harwell Celenza, Illustrated by JoAnn E. KitchelIn 1772, with summer long gone and winter fast approaching, Joseph Haydn, court musician to Prince Nicholas of Esterhazy, creates a symphony that finally persuades his oblivious employer to close up his summer palace and allow the staff to return home. CD recording is included.

Independent Publisher Book Awards

Bank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year

The Heart of a Friendship : An East African Folktaleby Harriet J. Arrington, Illustrated by JoAnn E. KitchelWhen Taki, a friendly monkey, shares the fruit of his mango tree with Baku, the crocodile, he comes to trust the dangerous animal. Fortunately, Taki is clever enough to outwit Baku when he tries to betray him and wise enough to share a thought-provoking moral with young readers.

Friends Again?by Harriet J. Arrington, Illustrated by JoAnn E. KitchelBaku the crocodile and Taki from The Heart of Friendship reunite for Friends Again? Baku has been banished from his village, but he's certain he will be welcomed back if Taki can help him find a cure for the crocodiles' dying leader.

Hanukkah LightsBy Dian G. Smith, Illustrated by JoAnn KitchelWith this beautifully illustrated book, even the youngest child can take part in the celebration of Hanukkah. Each night, children count the shiny holographic foil flames on the family menorah as they follow the engaging text, based on a traditional holiday song.